No. 5 Briar Cliff Pulls Away from Warriors in GPAC Matchup

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Midland University returned to the hardwood on Saturday, traveling to Sioux City to take on No. 5 Briar Cliff University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup. The Warriors struggled in the third quarter, and the Chargers pulled away for an 86-44 victory.

The first quarter was laden with fouls and free throws. Midland committed seven fouls to Briar Cliff's five, sending the Chargers to the line 11 times, where they converted nine attempts. The Warriors made 4-of-5 free throws but trailed 27-16 heading into the second quarter.

Briar Cliff took control early in the second quarter with a 10-2 run, building a 19-point lead midway through the period. Sarah Shepard and Erin Foxhall scored key baskets for Midland, finishing the first half with 11 and eight points, respectively. However, the Chargers quickly answered with four points to head into halftime leading 43-24.

After the break, Briar Cliff pulled away with a dominant 21-2 run to start the second half. The Chargers outscored the Warriors 27-10 in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game.

The fourth quarter saw a slower pace from both teams, combining for just 13 points in the first five minutes. Briar Cliff scored 10 of those before the teams traded baskets in the closing minutes, resulting in the final 86-44 scoreline.

Shepard led Midland offensively with 14 points, followed by Foxhall with eight. Leah Redding contributed a team-high two blocks and a steal, while Jenna Weber led the Warriors on the glass with seven rebounds. Shepard and Foxhall each added four boards.

Midland shot 18-for-56 (32.1%) from the field, while Briar Cliff went 34-for-75 (45.3%). The Chargers capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Warriors 16-6, and scored 18 points off 17 Midland turnovers.

Midland (3-18, 3-12 GPAC) will return home Wednesday to host Concordia (10-10, 6-9 GPAC) at the Wikert Event Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.